To Ruggiero's infinite surprise, he again felt the blood rushing to his face, and his heart began to pound his ribs like a fuller's hammer.

He glanced at his brother and saw that he was perfectly self-possessed.

Beatrice looked from one to the other in perplexity.
"You are so much alike!" she exclaimed.

"With which of you did I speak this morning ?" "With me, Eccellenza," said Ruggiero, whose own voice sounded strangely in his ears.

"And this is my brother," he added.
The arrangement was soon made, but during the short interchange of questions and answers Ruggiero could not take his eyes from Beatrice's face.